DENA LAND NEWS A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER BY LINDA LANE-WHITE—KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY SERVING MY HOMETOWN OF ALTADENA/PASADENA AND OUTLYING AREAS May 2009
Linda Lane-White “Singing” Realtor ® CA Lic #01091347 Notary Public (626)786-1231
Happy Mother’s Day! In May we finally sink deeply into Spring, hoping for a glorious summer. It is just great that one of the most recognizable special days for May is Mother’s Day, celebrated nearly worldwide in one way (and on different days) or another. If you are still lucky enough to have your mother to honor, I know you will be sure to remember your parent, your home life—and of course your home. For so many, their fondest memories of family and childhood are the people — and the places the people lived. Isn’t it strange how a house is useless without people
but the right house…. The right house is more than just shelter. The right house is home to your joy. Happy Mother’s Day! LINDA LANE-WHITE To my Mom, Nancy Lane. Thank you for making me and nurturing me to adulthood. Lots of love, hugs and kisses for you on Mother’s Day! xoxoxoxox
New mortgage programs that might help you! P 5
A 7-Point Spring Checklist You Can Do Now
W
hen you’re busy, it is so easy to overlook the flaws in a home’s maintenance. Still you have to take the time, if you want to preserve the value of your home, the most expensive purchase most will ever make. Even if your house looks well maintained, you should give it this quick 7-point review. 1 Trees. Check them out. Dying trees and dead branches are an emergency waiting to happen. The first spring storm that comes around might give you some very serious damage. Look for bent branches, if you had a heavy snow storm in the winter. Look for tree roots peeking through the soil as it can suggest a shallow-rooted plant. 2 Pavement condition. To put it simply, cracks happen. Still, you should evaluate the pavement condition and ask yourself if it appears generally solid.
3 Gutters. They should be clean. 4 Air conditioner condenser. The first thing you think about when you look at a house is no doubt NOT the air conditioner condenser. But it is worth taking a look. The condenser should be free of debris, leaves and dirt. 5 Deck integrity. Look for areas of wood rot, chipping or raised fibers on the wood. Observe the overall strength and stability of the deck. 6 Garage door operation. Simply: Does the door open and close? That is not something you want to find out after you move in. 7 Downspouts. Look to see that rain is directed away from the foundation of the house. You will know best how each of these points should be weighted. For example, you might expect a newer home to have a pristine driveway. Meanwhile, an older home packed with charm but might have a driveway with a crack or two. You'll have to decide how important each point is.
Green Solutions for your Garden: Keep dogs from digging in your garden: Mix Tabasco sauce, garlic, onion and cayenne pepper in a bucket of water. Let it sit for several hours and then sprinkle it over the areas of the garden where dogs have been digging. Keep cats from using your soil as a litter box: Toss lemon peels in the garden. Also, using lemon peel rind and water sprayed on plants will repel Aphids.
Dena Land News—Linda Lane-White • Keller Williams Realty (626) 786-1231 • www.lindalanewhite.com
Safeguard your information Scammers want your CVV number
H
ere's how thieves try to get that secret three-digit number on the back of your credit card. (American Express has a four-digit number.) The callers have already obtained your credit card number somehow. Then they call claiming that your card was flagged by security because of an unusual purchase. When you deny making the purchase, a very official-sounding voice assures you that a credit will appear on your next statement. At this point, the caller asks you to provide the three-digit number on the back of the card to show that it is in your possession. Or, they may give you a fake telephone number to call, where you will be asked to give the number. Once they have it, they can charge anything in any amount up to your credit limit from any vendor and they will not be questioned. No matter how official a caller sounds, never give out the CVV (Card Verification
Tennis Time Across 1. Trophy 4. Sag 9. 100% 10. Bone-chilling 11. Cellular stuff 12. Marriage announcement 13. Indian ficus with aerial roots 15. The thing named 16. Considerations 18. Before noon: Abbr. 20. Type of conservative 23. Nutcase 25. Arthur Godfrey played it 26. Goodbye 27. "___ Doubtfire" 28. Affirmatives 29. Convened Down 1. Low-___ diet 2. Arm bone 3. Flora 4. Greasy 5. Shack 6. Ashes holder 7. Short skirt
8. Fly, e.g. 14. Bronx Bomber 17. Films of impurities 18. Not at home 19. Earned
Birthday Wishes This Month Go Out To: Daniel Jenkins—1st Lisa Takata—2nd Alex Sadas—12th Greg Hilz—18th
Value) number. Some card companies call it the DVV2 or DVD2. American Express calls it the CID. A credit card company will never ask you for it.
How To Reduce Homeowner’s Insurance Premiums
If insuring your home is taking a bigger bite out of your wallet each year, here are some ways to ease the pain. * Increase the deductible from $500 to $1,000 for a 20 percent premium deduction.
21. Creole vegetable 22. Egg holder 24. Alliance that includes Ukr. (Headline is clue to the shaded diagonal word.)
Local Representative: Ericka James 626-200-7306 Hazeleyez91001@yahoo.com
* Combining auto and home policies could save you up to $300 a year. According to Money magazine, if your premium is $2,000 a year, you could save: * Up to $400 by installing a central station burglar and fire alarm. * $300 by updating the plumbing, electrical and heating systems. * $200 by installing hurricane shutters or roof tie-downs. * $200 for deadbolt locks. Owning a new home can result in a discount of up to $400. The discount decreases with age.
Photo by Camille Dudley
City of Pasadena Ribbon Cutting Ceremony—April 8 Melissa Alva (Enterprise Zone Mgr), Chris White (Contractor), Linda Lane-White (Owner), Jacque Robinson (Councelwoman), Bill Bogaard (Mayor), Leon White (Project Planner)
Level 1-Commercial 560 sf Level 2- 1 BR/1BA 560 sf 2 Car Garage 400 sf Laundry Room 64 sf 2,997 sf lot Separate HVAC Units Separate Electric Meters Dual pane laminate glass Alarm System Security Gates
1564-66 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena, CA
For Sale - $689,000 Completely renovated, vacant, free-standing building, great street frontage Open House Every Saturday from 2 to 5pm
(10% down financing is available for owner/user)
Call (626) 786-1231 for more information
www.1564NFairOaks.com (Construction by Ceedub Construction)
Highlights Mixed Use Live/Work Owner/User Investment Enterprise Zone Tax Credits Hiring Credits
Zoned FGSP-CL-1B Use Code: Retail/ Residential
Easy Sugar Free, Fat Free Cheesecake Pudding INGREDIENTS: • 2 boxes of Jello Cheese Cake Pudding Mix • 1 block of Fat Free Cream Cheese • 4 Cups of Soy Light Milk • 1/4 Cup of Lemon Juice •1/4 Cup of Splenda or Stevia DIRECTIONS: Empty Pudding mix into large bowl or blender. Then mix in the cream cheese, lemon juice and Splenda or Stevia.. Pour into 1/2 cup cups. Refrigerate until almost solid then serve. Makes about 8 cups.
Active Adults Corner Trust Linda Lane-White as your Seniors Real Estate Specialist® Pasadena Senior Center Memorial Day BBQ & Dance May 25, 2009—11:30am Memorial Tribute in the Park $6 members/$9 non-members Pre-paid reservations by May 20th Call (626) 685-6755 cynthiar@pasadenaseniorcenter.org
Friday Movie Matinee 5/15 1:30-The Reader 16th Annual Senior Talent Showcase Thursday, 5-21-09 2pm to 4pm Jackie Robinson Community Ctr 1020 N. Fair Oaks, Pasadena 626-744-7300
Help at Home For Seniors We all worry about getting older and not being able to do the things we normally would on our own. If you feel a need for assistance with meals, light housekeeping, errands, caring for pets, shopping, doctors appointments, here are some companies that can help for a small fee. Orange Grove Home Care: 866-203-3612 (Natalie Ruvacaba) www.oghomecare.com Verdugo Hills Hospital Care at Home: 818-952-3575 www.vhhhospital.org AssistaLife: 877-337-7095 www.assistalife.com ResCare Home Care: 877-448-3771 www.rescarehomecare.com Visiting Angels: 800-365-4189 www.visitingangels.com Senior Helpers: 800-760-6389 www.seniorhelpers.com Better Living Homecare Services: 626-396-1771 www.betterlivinghc.net Right at Home: 626-584-8130 www.pasadena.rightathome.net
When Buying or Refinancing... Call Peter First &
Get Pre-Approved
Peter Cosfol Augusta Financial Senior Loan Officer
Augusta Financial is a service oriented mortgage company that specializes in residential financing. We have many loan programs to help our clients with all of their mortgage needs. Peter offers the best pricing with the lowest fees! Peter will personally address all of your questions and concerns regarding the loan process! Augusta Financial makes the loan process seem easy! Augusta is both Broker and Mortgage Banker! We offer In-house processing and funding!
It’s a GREAT time Buy or Refinance! (661) 260-2970 Office · (661) 291-2234 Direct · (818) 281-1466 Cell
www.728W1st.com Prime Top Level End Unit Penthouse (best view on the entire street) • 1605 sf living on one level • 2 BR, 2BA • Private Elevator & Intercom system • Plantation shutters • 12 ft tall ceilings
Prime Top Level End Unit Penthouse Loft has its own private elevator. Feel like royalty. Beautiful open gourmet kitchen with granite counter tops and extra large granite sink. The great room floors are of gorgeous distressed mahogany stained oak. Plantation shutters, high ceilings and drop down fans add a touch of elegance. Step out to the 2 private balconies where you can overlook the refreshing community pool area, 2 spas and BBQs while gazing at the spectacular mountain views. Located at Village Walk Community in Claremont Village. Walking distance to downtown, shops, restaurants, a new movie theatre and the Metrolink. The well renowned Colleges, also within walking distance, make this Village a place where young and old enjoy "life as it should be". Must see to appreciate all the beauty and serenity this penthouse has to offer. Tandem 2-car garage has extra storage. Washer and dryer and all kitchen appliances are included. HOA Dues: $244.83 Who do you know right now who’s looking to buy, sell or invest in real estate? Give me a call or send me an E-mail. I’m never too busy for your referrals to friends or family. Linda Lane-White (lindalanewhite@kw.com or 626-786-1231) Disclaimers: All real estate information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and should be independently verified. All properties are subject to prior sale, change, or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) nor this company shall be responsible for typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. If your property is currently listed with another real estate broker, this is not a solicitation of that listing.
Dena Land News—Linda Lane-White • Keller Williams Realty (626) 786-1231 • www.lindalanewhite.com
Mortgage Q & A
W
hat are the mortgage programs? There are two mortgage programs built into the foreclosureprevention plan: Mortgage modification and mortgage refinancing. Mortgage modification means that mortgage companies will rewrite the very terms of a loan for distressed borrowers who need a lower payment. Mortgage refinancing will make new loans for people who, although current in their payments, owe more than their homes are worth. Which loans will be covered by mortgage modification? Loans that originated before Jan. 1, 2009. Loans on primary residences (not investment properties or vacations homes). Loans on one-unit homes whose balances are not greater than $729,750. What are the benefits of a mortgage modification? You should get lower payments, for a start. But you can also get your mortgage principal balance reduced as much as $1,000 each year for five years. But you must be able to prove you have sufficient resources to stay current with your modified loan. How do I know if I qualify for a mortgage modification? If you can easily afford to pay your mortgage, you don't qualify. You can qualify only if your mortgage payment is more than 31 percent of your pretax monthly income.
If you have other debt, such as car loans or credit cards, that exceed 55 percent of your income, you might not qualify for a modification. If you do, however, you will have to accept debt counseling. You may qualify for modification even if you are behind in your mortgage payments, but you have to show you have sufficient resources to pay your modified loan. You will not qualify for a modification if you lied on your original mortgage application. Your modified loan must still be a sound loan. You loan company will use a 'net present value test' to see if it is better to modify the loan or let it go into foreclosure. If you managed to buy a home, even though you really had no way to make a reasonable mortgage payment, then you will not qualify. What is the mortgage refinancing program? Mortgage refinancing is for people who are in good standing with their mortgages but, because home values have dramatically dropped, are now 'upside down' in their loan. That is, their loans are worth more than their houses. This situation makes it impossible to refinance and take advantage of new lower interest rates. This program seeks to help some people in that position. What loans qualify? Only loans owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac qualify. Jumbo mortgages do not qualify.
I ran out of room in this issue of Dena Land News to show you the RECENT HOME SALES. If you would like a list of properties sold in your area, send me an E-Mail or give me a call and I’ll get the information to you promptly! …..Linda Lane-White
Keller Williams Realty is committed to giving back to the community. Dr. Henry Sideropoulos runs an organization called Agape Life Change. They purchased two buildings in Northwest Pasadena (formally a liquor store and once a church) to build a community center and a day care center. The vision in the main building is to provide life coaching, job training, and community support in that neighborhood. The smaller building would be for a day care center for the people in the neighborhood. Agape needs help in raising funds to complete the remodeling and seeing through on their vision. Physical help will also be needed in completing the work that is still needed inside the building, i.e. painting, landscaping, electrical. The transformation of these buildings into a useful community center is yet another turn for the positive in Northwest Pasadena. It’s only one day—and it’s Red Day! Please come give back to the community. Where: 681 E Washington, Pasadena When: Thurs. May 14, 2009 8am to 4pm help give back/volunteer 4pm to 7pm festivities/raffle/BBQ Look for the Red Shirts http://www.kw.com/kw/ RedDay.html (626) 786-1231
CEEDUB CONSTRUCTION RESIDENTIAL & LIGHT COMMERCIAL
With over 30 years of experience, we work with you to achieve your dream. Call Today For A Free Estimate (Licensed/Bonded/Insured)
(626) 786-1229 CHRIS WHITE, OWNER Ca Lic #883002
www.ceedubconstruction.com
Pasadena Market Center 445 S. Fair Oaks Avenue Pasadena, CA 91105 Cell: (626) 786-1231 Home Office: (626) 798-2382 Fax: (626) 296-1979 lindalanewhite@sbcglobal.net
Home Office: 519 Alameda, Altadena Each Office Is Independently Owned and Operated
Linda Lane-White “Singing” Realtor® CA Lic #01091347 (since 1990) Notary Public (since 1987)
If You Would Like To Receive This Newsletter on a Regular Basis for Guaranteed Delivery (Snail or E-Mail) Call me or send me an E-Mail...LLW
In Tune With Your Needs
www.lindalanewhite.com
Search the MLS on my web site! Dena Land News May 2009 Happenings May 9 6am –12pm Revlon Run/Walk For Women—L.A. Memorial Coliseum www.revlonrunwalk.com May 9/10 Jackie Robinson All Star Weekend. Begins at 10am Ceremony, Parade, All Star Basketball Game, VIP After Party at the Vault from 9pm to 2am. Go to 1081 N Fair Oaks, Pasadena first. Call 626-796-7164x 10 www.jackierobinsonallstar.com May 9 11:30 to 2pm Rotary Club of Altadena Food Drive for Union Station. Get a free American Flag with stand with donations. Ronnie’s Automotive at 2012 N. Lake in Altadena. May 9 6pm Union Station 35th Anniversary Celebration. Debby Boone performs. 538 S. Flower St.,L.A. 626-240-4557 FREE May 10 11am Mother’s Day Brunch at Pasadena Jazz Institute $35 OR Dinner and Gershwin Show $45 OR Gershwin Show only $20. 260 E Colorado Blvd 626-398-3344 www.pasjazz.org $35 May 14 Keller Williams Red Day (see page 5 inside) May 16 9am to 3pm E-Waste Roundup 252 W. Mountain View Ave., Altadena 1-800-238-0172 www.lacs4.org May 16 9am Rose Bowl Tour. See plans for renovations Enjoy free hot dog lunch. 626-577-3100 www.rosebowlstadium.com FREE May 16/17 9:30am Sierra Madre Art Fair 222 W Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre 626-355-3977 www.sierramadrelibraryfriends.org May 16/17 Annual Altadena Library Book Sale ―Recession Prices‖ 600 E Mariposa St., Altadena May 16 10am ―Rock This Way‖ 12th Annual South Pasadena Family Fun Fair with silly string, water balloons, carnival 1020 El Centro Street 213-925-0173 May 17 11:30am 20th Annual Museums of the Arroyo Day. Tour 6 museums on the Arroyo Seco for free. 213-740-8687 May 21 2-4pm 16th Annual Senior Talent Showcase Jackie Robinson Community Center 1020 N Fair Oaks, Pasadena 626-744-7300 May 21 5pm E-Central Credit Union After Hours Mixer 990 S Fair Oaks FREE 626-795-3355 www.pasadena-chamber.org May 22 7:30 Welcome Robert Kyle back from Europe. He’ll be performing at Red White & Bluezz on Raymond and Green in Pasadena. May 23 10am to 3pm Remembering Our Veterans & Their Families Arcadia County Park. Skydivers, flyover WWII planes, food, music no cost health screenings, manicures, haircuts, immunizations FREE 626-967-1441 May 24 12pm 15th Annual Historic Highlands Home Tour. Howard and Catalina in Pasadena $15/$20 www.historichighlands.org May 25 7:00am Los Angeles Marathon 310-271-7200 www.lamarathon.com May 25 11:30am Memorial Day BBQ & Dance (See Senior Section inside) Memorial Park May 28 7pm—NAACP General Membership Meeting. Altadena Community Center. 730 E Altadena Drive, Altadena May 29 3:30pm Friday Fun Flick at the Altadena Public Library ―Hotel For Dogs‖ Marvin Neumann will conduct the Crown City Symphony Spring Concerts. They will take place on May 29th at 7:30 at the Pasadena Central Library, May 30th at 2pm at the Boys and Girls Club of Pasadena and on May 31st at 2pm at the First Baptist Church of Pasadena. (Marvin was my Orchestra Director when I played the violin at John Muir High...LLW—I only played for 11 years!) Mark your calendars for the 6th Annual Swingin’ on a Star—Escape to Morocco (a Five Acres Benefit Gala) on June 7, 2009 at One Colorado Courtyard from 6pm to 10pm. Call 626-798-6793 for more information. Mark your calendars for the Mountain View Mausoleum Open House on June 6th from 11am to 4pm and the McNally mansion House Tour & Tea from 4 to 7 on June 8th. For more info call 626-797-8016